Schoch: NFL mock drafts not just for pros anymore

Branden Albert

With dozens of sports writers out there filling out their own mock NFL drafts, I feel a little left out.

And since I again missed the NFL combine this winter, I'm going on what I learned on Friday nights in the fall.

So, here is the News-Leader's official 2013 NFL Mock Draft Given That Only High School Football Seniors From Southwest Missouri Were Eligible To Be Selected:

Rules: Only seniors. Only the Top 15 picks. Why are there rules? I don't know.

(And by the way, I am completely ripping off this column idea from my friend and former colleague Paul Costanzo at the Times Herald in Port Huron, Mich. So, thanks Paul.)

? 1. Kansas City Chiefs: It looks like Branden Albert might be on the move, so the Chiefs replace the offensive tackle with Austin Boice of Lamar. Like Central Michigan's Eric Fisher, there are questions about the competition Boice faced all season. But his dominance on tape cannot be denied.

? 2. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags need someone who not only is an impact player, but can fill the seats. Also, it's becoming clear that Mizzou's Blaine Gabbert is not the answer at quarterback. So, the Jaguars select Jonah Hill of Hillcrest to give him a shot at quarterback. And if that doesn't work out, they'll just move the versatile Hill somewhere else.

? 3. Oakland Raiders: Fake draft evaluators agree that next year's crop of quarterbacks is one of the strongest in years with Blayne Armstrong of Marshfield and Rafe Peavey of Bolivar headlining. But the Raiders need a good young quarterback with Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor both pretty shaky. That's why Oakland is going with John Roderique of Webb City.

? 4. Philadelphia Eagles: New coach Chip Kelly needs a pass rusher and finds it in Michah Foote of Kickapoo, who stepped up in big games for the Chiefs last fall.

? 5. Detroit Lions: My hometown team needs to protect its investment in quarterback Matthew Stafford and give him time to find Calvin Johnson. Their selection of Gus Carter of Republic will help that need.

? 6. Cleveland Browns: The Browns are another team that needs just about everything, as always. They'll take Kurran Blamey of Monett with thoughts of having him play cornerback, safety, or maybe even helping the offense, too.

? 7. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have a nice defense but need offensive help. Cameron Glenn of Ozark goes here and could bring some of Ozark's winning pedigree to a franchise that needs it.

? 8. Buffalo Bills: The Bills haven't had a good quarterback since Jim Kelly, and Evan Gruener of Rogersville will be a player to build on. Buffalo also will need a big contract offer to lure him from his baseball career at Bradley.

? 9. New York Jets: The Jets have needs all over the board, but after trading Darrelle Revis on Sunday, a shutdown corner is needed. Dylan Newcomb of Waynesville can fill that void.

? 10. Tennessee Titans: I like Jake Locker at quarterback, but he needs some weapons. The team selects Brock West of Lebanon because of his production at running back during his career.

? 11. San Diego Chargers: San Diego can't believe Cody Lindsay of Ozark fell this far. They select the running back/linebacker with no hesitation.

? 12. Miami Dolphins: Looks like Albert may be headed to Miami, so the Fins help their defense by selecting lineman Ryan Grismer of Nixa.

? 13. New York Jets: Again, needs everywhere. So the Jets take the best player available: Running back Phoenix Johnson of Webb City.

? 14. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers need line help on both sides of the ball. Tyler Couch of Lebanon has played both ways, and will help.

? 15. New Orleans Saints: The offense should return to form with coach Sean Payton's return. But the defense will be aided by the selection of Bruce Leali of Glendale.

Contact Matt Schoch at 417-836-1191 or maschoch@news-leader.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MattSchochNL.

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Schoch: NFL mock drafts not just for pros anymore

With dozens of sports writers out there filling out their own mock NFL drafts, I feel a little left out.